Physician Progesterone Therapy Training for Prophylaxis of Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is a pervasive and often underdiagnosed condition that can profoundly impact the lives of new mothers and their families. While the causes of postpartum depression are complex, the role of hormonal fluctuations cannot be overlooked. It is estimated that as many as 1 in 7 women will experience postpartum depression at some point.

As physicians and healthcare providers, it is crucial to recognize the prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD), the challenges in its diagnosis, the reasons women may hesitate to seek treatment, and the best treatment modalities for addressing the underlying causes of PPD.

In this article, our experts will explore the critical connection between hormones and postpartum depression and discuss how Progesterone Therapy, as taught in SottoPelle Method Physician Hormone Therapy Training, can offer a proactive approach to preventing and managing this debilitating condition.

The Prevalence of Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is a prevalent and serious mood disorder that affects a significant number of new mothers. While exact statistics may vary, it is estimated that postpartum depression affects around 10-15% of women within the first year following childbirth.

The impact of postpartum depression extends beyond the mother, affecting the entire family and, potentially, the infant’s development. Postpartum depression can range in severity from mild to severe. In more severe cases, individuals may experience thoughts of self-harm, harm to the baby, or suicide – so the stakes are extremely high for providers offering medical attention to women after childbirth.

Symptoms of post-partum depression can include feeling of deep sadness or hopelessness that doesn’t improve with time. New moms may experience excessive worry or anxiety, sometimes accompanied by panic attacks. The new mother may also experience frequent mood changes, including increased irritability or anger – as well as overwhelming fatigue or difficulty sleeping, even when the opportunity to rest is available.

Some women with PPD suffer from frequent and unexplained bouts of crying, and/or a diminished interest in activities or hobbies that were once enjoyable. Struggles in forming a bond or attachment with the baby may be present – in addition to persistent feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or inadequacy.

In some women, an inability to focus or concentrate, often referred to as “brain fog,” is characteristic of PPD – as are headaches, digestive problems, or other physical complaints without a clear medical cause. Women may avoid social interactions and withdraw from friends and family.

How Physicians Miss or Misdiagnose Postpartum Depression

Despite its prevalence, postpartum depression often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Several factors contribute to this, including the belief that new mothers should naturally experience joy, stigma surrounding mental health, and the normalization of mood fluctuations during the postpartum period.

Additionally, postpartum depression symptoms can overlap with those of general postpartum adjustments, further complicating diagnosis. And the wide-ranging symptoms can also be attributed to other causes – such as exhaustion or lack of sleep.

Further, women affected by postpartum depression may hesitate to seek treatment for various reasons, including feelings of guilt, shame, or fear of judgment. Additionally, a lack of awareness about the condition and its potential impact on their lives may deter women from seeking help. Recognizing these barriers to treatment is essential for physicians and women’s healthcare providers.

Treating Postpartum Depression with Progesterone Therapy

Hormonal fluctuations play a significant role in the development of postpartum depression. There is a rapid drop in estrogen and progesterone levels, following childbirth, which can affect mood regulation. The imbalance of hormones, particularly the sudden reduction of progesterone, can contribute to the emotional and cognitive symptoms of postpartum depression.

Recent research has indicated that progesterone therapy can help address this hormonal imbalance and potentially alleviate many of the symptoms of PPD.

Progesterone therapy has been shown to be effective in preventing and treating postpartum depression in a number of studies. A research study published in the journal Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental ¹ found that progesterone therapy significantly reduced the risk of postpartum depression in women who were at high risk for the condition.

The study included 100 women who were at high risk for PPD due to a history of PPD, a family history of PPD, or a history of other mental health disorders. The women were randomly assigned to receive either progesterone loading or a placebo. The results showed that the women who received progesterone loading were significantly less likely to develop PPD than the women who received the placebo.

Another study, published in the journal The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry ² found that progesterone therapy was effective in treating women who were already experiencing postpartum depression. The study found that progesterone therapy significantly reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety in women who were already experiencing PPD. The study included 40 women who were diagnosed with PPD. The women were randomly assigned to receive either progesterone therapy or a placebo. The results showed that the women who received progesterone therapy had a significantly greater reduction in PPD symptoms than the women who received the placebo.

Both of these studies provide evidence that progesterone replacement therapy may be an effective way to prevent and treat PPD.

Physician Progesterone Therapy Training for Postpartum Depression

While many physicians simply resort to pharmacological treatment of post-partum depression, it is well understood that psychiatric medications come with a wide range of contraindications and side-effects that range from annoying and inconvenient to extremely dangerous.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can increase the risk of bleeding, especially if taken with other medications that thin the blood. Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) can increase the risk of mania, especially in people with other psychiatric disorders. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) can cause extreme drowsiness and blurred vision that is problematic when caring for a newborn. And atypical antipsychotics can cause weight gain, metabolic problems, and movement disorders.

However, SottoPelle Method progesterone therapy physician training enables medical providers to treat the underlying cause of PPD with natural bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), potentially alleviating the need for harsh pharmaceutical interventions.

SottoPelle Method Physician Progesterone Therapy Training

Progesterone Therapy, when administered by a SottoPelle Method trained physicians, offers a promising approach to preventing and managing postpartum depression. SottoPelle Method Physician Progesterone Therapy Training equips healthcare providers with the knowledge and skills needed to proactively diagnose and treat underlying hormone imbalances associated with PPD. By addressing the hormonal imbalances associated with postpartum depression, progesterone therapy can in some cases mitigate the risk of developing postpartum depression and enhance the emotional well-being of new mothers.

Sadly, postpartum depression is a prevalent yet often undiagnosed condition that has a profound impact on new mothers, their infants, and their families. SottoPelle Method physician hormone therapy training empowers medical providers to offer Progesterone Therapy as a proactive approach to preventing and managing postpartum depression, ultimately improving the lives of their patients and their families.

Physician Progesterone Therapy Training: 323.986.5100 (press 1)

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as general information only and is not intended to be used as medical advice. While the benefits of hormone replacement are well documented through clinical research, we are not representing that hormone therapy is a “cure” for any disease. Only your treating physician can determine if hormone replacement may be a beneficial part of your healthcare regimen, based on your age, overall health, risk factors, and lifestyle.

Resources:

#1. Barak, Y., & Shalev, A. (2020). Progesterone loading as a strategy for treating postpartum depression. Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental, 35(7), e2731.

#2. Steiner, M., Zohar, J., Apter, A., Kinrys, G., & Amsterdam, J. (2008). Progesterone for the treatment of postpartum depression. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 69(1), 68-74.